Cristiano Ronaldo is not slowing down. On the two-year anniversary of his move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, the Portuguese legend is doubling down on his commitment to success—both for himself and for the growth of football in Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on Two Years at Al Nassr
Since joining Al Nassr on a free transfer in January 2023, Ronaldo has been a force to reckon with, netting an incredible 74 goals in 83 games. At 39, the forward remains as driven as ever, declaring:
“I’m happy, my family is happy, and life is good here. Football is good too. We are still improving, both individually and collectively.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently added another accolade to his name, being crowned the Best Middle East Player of 2024 at the Globe Soccer Awards. Yet, it’s the pursuit of more titles and sustained growth in the Saudi Pro League that keeps Ronaldo motivated.
A Vision for Saudi Football
Ronaldo has been vocal about his pride in helping elevate the Saudi Pro League to a global stage. Reflecting on his pioneering move, he said:
“To be the first star to come here is an honor. But what excites me most is the next 5-10 years of the league’s growth. It’s not just about the first teams but also about developing academies and the future of Saudi football.”
He acknowledges his role as a role model:
“People look at Cristiano as an example—not just on the pitch, but also off it. That is a big responsibility.”
The arrival of other high-profile players has added competitive edge and prestige to the league, which Ronaldo sees as validation of its upward trajectory.
A Hunger for More Titles
Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has lifted one trophy—the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. He also set a Saudi Pro League record with 35 goals in his first full campaign. However, he isn’t satisfied:
“When you win titles, things come easier. Winning my first trophy here was amazing, but I want more. I will continue to push and help Al Nassr win.”
The club currently sits fourth in the Saudi Pro League, 11 points behind leaders Al Ittihad. Ronaldo remains optimistic, though realistic about the competition:
“It’s hard to compete with teams like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, but we are still pushing and fighting. Football is about good and bad moments, but the key is to remain professional, respect the club, and believe in change.”
His ambitions extend beyond domestic silverware, with the AFC Champions League a particular goal:
“The Champions League is something I want to win for the club. But the most important thing is to keep pushing and stay professional.”
The Road Ahead
As Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday on February 5, his hunger for excellence remains undiminished. Beyond his individual brilliance, he is a cornerstone of Al Nassr’s—and Saudi Arabia’s—footballing aspirations.
With Ronaldo at the helm, the Saudi Pro League is not just a destination for stars but a league with ambitions to stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best. And Ronaldo is determined to lead the charge.
